About Us

Our Mission

At the Economic Research Council, we are committed to fostering a deeper understanding of economic principles and their multifaceted impacts on society. By championing economic pluralism, we strive to create a platform where diverse economic theories and perspectives are explored and respected. Through engaging educational initiatives, dynamic events, and collaborative research, we aim to inspire individuals and institutions to engage in rich, informed economic discourse. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality economic insights and to cultivate a community of learners, leaders, and thinkers dedicated to driving positive change in the world. By bridging the gap between academic research and public understanding, and promoting a pluralistic approach to economic thought, we seek to empower a more informed, critical-thinking, and economically literate society, equipped to navigate the complexities of the global economy with openness and insight.

Our Values

At the Economic Research Council, we are driven by a set of core values that reflect our commitment to fostering an enlightened, inclusive, and empowered society. These values are the bedrock of our identity, guiding our actions, shaping our programs, and informing our approach to economic research and education. They reflect not only the principles we stand for but also the future we aspire to create.

Accessibilty

Accessibility is fundamental to our work at the Economic Research Council. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers to economic knowledge, ensuring that our research, events, and educational resources are available to all, regardless of their background or level of expertise. By leveraging technology and innovative communication strategies, we aim to make complex economic concepts understandable and relevant to a broad audience. Our commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and participate in economic conversations that shape our world.

Empowerment

At the Economic Research Council, we believe in the transformative power of knowledge. Empowerment through education lies at the core of our mission, as we strive to enable individuals and communities to engage confidently in economic discourse. By equipping people with a deep understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications, we aim to foster a society capable of making informed decisions and advocating for meaningful change. Our initiatives are designed to inspire action, encourage critical thinking, and empower everyone to contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future.

Pluralism

The Economic Research Council champions pluralism in economic thought and practice. We recognise that the challenges facing our world are multifaceted and that addressing them requires a diversity of perspectives and approaches. By fostering an environment where varied economic theories and methodologies are explored and respected, we encourage robust debate and a deeper understanding of economic phenomena. Pluralism guides our research, events, and educational programs, ensuring that we consider a wide range of viewpoints and solutions. This commitment to pluralism enriches our discourse and empowers us to approach economic challenges with creativity and insight.

Economic Research Council, ERC, ERC History, ERC Values

Our History

The Economic Research Council was founded in 1943 as the Joint Council for Economic and Monetary Research. Its origins go back at least a decade earlier to the 1930s, when a number of individuals, concerned at the poverty around them in the midst of plenty, started questioning the use in Britain of a monetary system that had failed the nation in the past and was liable to go on perpetuating the sequence of boom, slump, boom of the 1920s. If orthodox economics were to blame then its basic tenets should be challenged.